7 Food Hacks To Help Your Health

LOWER CHOLESTEROL WITH A BOWL OF CHILI

Researchers at the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that eating one daily serving of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils can significantly lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Legumes are high in fiber, which other research has linked to lowering cardiovascular risk and cholesterol.

REDUCE GAS WITH PEPPERMINT

An Italian study found that 75 percent of people with irritable bowel syndrome saw a major reduction in bloating and flatulence after taking peppermint oil capsules. Peppermint has also been found to soothe inflammation and pain in the gastrointestinal tract.

STOP ZITS WITH SOME SALMON

Skip the expensive anti-acne products to prevent breakouts. According to George Washington University School of Medicine, Western diets – particularly dairy products – may be associated with acne. However, researchers found that eating foods like salmon and others rich in omega-3 fatty acids could decrease inflammation.

GET SOME SLEEP AFTER EATING KIWI

Researchers in Taiwan say that kiwi fruit could help insomniacs sleep better. They asked 24 men and women between the ages of 20 and 55 to eat two kiwis one hour before they went to bed. After four weeks, they found significant improvements in subjects’ quality of sleep, which is most likely due to the high levels of antioxidants and serotonin in kiwi.

FIX BAD BREATH WITH YOGURT

Reduce odor-causing bacteria in your mouth by eating unsweetened yogurt. 24 study participants with bad breath were asked to eat 6 ounces of unsweetened yogurt for six days a week. Researchers found that the good bacteria overpowered the bad bacteria and helped lower levels by more than half, eliminating odor!

REDUCE INFLAMMATION WITH GINGER

Eat ginger after a hard workout in the gym. Two grams of raw or heat-treated ginger per day can reduce post-workout soreness by 25 percent. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds and volatile oils called gingerols that have painkilling and sedative effects.

CURE YOUR HEADACHE WITH PUMPKIN SEEDS

Seeds could ease that aching head of yours. Multiple studies suggest low magnesium levels could be one of the main causes for migraine headaches. One cup of pumpkin seeds contains 168 mg of magnesium, which is about 42 percent of your daily value.